Lateral skipping training drills

Lateral skipping helps build up the power in the legs, so the player is able to move sideways at speed and to sidestep.

Rugby skipping drills are worth coaching at regular intervals during the training season to get players moving at speed and developing their footwork skills and agility.

  • Players should start by skipping on the spot (that is left, left, right, right) and build up a good rhythm.

  • They then need to lean slowly to the right and push off with the back (left) leg. The back leg supplies all the power to move sideways.

  • They bring the knees up high between each skip.

  • Players should keep the upper body upright and use the arms to help generate power in a normal skipping action.

As the players get the hang of the technique, encourage them to hit the ground as hard as possible with the back leg to generate maximum power.

Remember to make the players travel in both directions and work over a distance of five to ten metres.

This article is taken from the Better Rugby Coaching e-newsletter. Click here to sign up and get free rugby drills and skills twice a week.

Rugby coaching tips


Improve your rugby training skills. Sign up for a FREE weekly email, full of simple proven tips, advice and drills.

"Just wanted to let you know that I find your emails interesting and very helpful! Thanks very much!"
Jules Hydleman, Coach, England






Please note that Better Rugby Coaching takes your privacy very seriously. We will never rent or sell your email address to any third party.




Get our FREE weekly coaching tips email





Receive GREAT coaching tips to help you become
a better rugby coach, straight to your inbox!

Get these FREE reports when you sign-up:

  • My Five Favourite Training Games
  • 12 Handy Tools for Novice Rugby Coaches
  • Rocket Ball – Four ready-made coaching sessions
  • 20 Clever Ways to Improve Your Rugby Coaching
  • The Guide to Coaching Junior Rugby Players
  • The Guide to Coaching Senior Rugby Players
  • 11 Simple Steps to a Fitter, Faster Rugby Team

Please note that Better
Rugby Coaching
takes your privacy very seriously. We will never rent or sell your email address to any third party




Independent Coach Education